Wedding Party

Ryan

Groom

Ryan is, in every sense, a diamond in the rough—steady, genuine, and quietly extraordinary. Beneath his unmistakable Taurus strength is a deeply gentle soul, grounded and loyal in ways that only those who know him truly understand. He leads with kindness, listens with intention, and shows up with a compassion that never asks for recognition. He is a devoted father, a loving partner, a steadfast brother, and a loyal friend—the kind of person who becomes a cornerstone in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. To be called his friend is something truly meaningful; it speaks to trust earned and a bond that endures. And in a modern twist of fate, it all began with a simple swipe to the right on Tinder—proof that sometimes life’s most profound connections start in the most unexpected ways, and grow into something lasting, real, and deeply cherished.

Liz

Bride

Liz and I didn’t meet in some grand, cinematic way. We met on Tinder… two people swiping through possibilities, both carrying a little history, a little caution, and a quiet hope that maybe something real was still out there. We took a chance on each other. What started as something simple, something that felt ordinary at the time, slowly became anything but. Somewhere along the way, Liz turned the everyday into something warmer, brighter, and impossible to imagine living without. She has this rare kind of heart, the kind that listens deeply, loves fully, and shows up with both strength and softness in equal measure. She’s creative in ways that spill into everything she touches, from the smallest details to the biggest dreams, and somehow she makes it all feel effortless. What I admire most about Liz is the way she loves. It’s steady, thoughtful, and real. She sees people for who they are and chooses kindness anyway. She makes space for laughter, for growth, for second chances, and for all the quiet moments in between. Being loved by her feels like home… like standing beside a campfire under an endless sky, knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. And now, I don’t just get to take a chance on her… I get to choose her, every day, for the rest of my life.

Chad

Best Man

Chad and I have been friends for over 20 years, back to when he was just a kid shooting pool at Riley’s, long before either of us knew what life had in store. Somewhere between those early days and now, that friendship turned into something steady and unshakable. We’ve grown up side by side, raising our boys, figuring things out as we go, and showing up for each other through it all. We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder in some of life’s darker moments, the kind that test who you are and who’s really in your corner. And just as importantly, we’ve shared the kind of adventures you don’t forget, including two unforgettable trips rafting the Grand Canyon and countless miles on rivers across the West. Chad is the kind of friend everyone hopes to have but few are lucky enough to find. Loyal, grounded, and always there when it matters most. No matter where life has taken us, he’s been a constant, and I’m proud to stand beside him not just as a friend of 20 years, but as a brother.

Charity

Maid of Honor

Charity and I are only nine months apart in age, and from the very beginning, we've been more like sisters than friends. Life may have taken us down different roads at times, but no matter where those roads led, we always found our way back to each other. For more than 45 years, we've shared so many of life's defining moments together. We've navigated childhood adventures, the unpredictability that came with having nomadic mothers, graduations, marriages and divorces, motherhood, new careers, fresh starts, and all the unexpected twists and turns in between. Through every season, whether joyful or challenging, Charity has been a steady and cherished presence in my life. She is someone who brings warmth, understanding, and unwavering loyalty to the people she loves. Some friendships are measured by time, but ours is measured by a lifetime of shared memories, resilience, laughter, and love. I am endlessly grateful for the bond we share and for the countless ways she has enriched my life over the years. I love her dearly and am so thankful that she has been part of my story from the very beginning.

Aidan

Best Man

Aidan is the youngest of the brood, and he carries that role with both strength and heart. He is a force to be reckoned with—determined, spirited, and unapologetically himself—yet beneath that intensity is a deeply kind and generous soul. Now in his first year of college, he is doing exceptionally well, and we could not be more proud of the path he is carving for himself. He is thoughtful and insightful beyond his years, with a depth of understanding that continues to surprise and inspire us. At the same time, his humor and unmistakable stubborn streak keep life lively, and there is nothing quite like the sound of his laughter echoing through the house during late-night gaming sessions. Though he may be the last to leave the nest, we cherish every moment we have with him. His presence brings warmth, energy, and joy to our home, and we are grateful for the young man he is becoming.

Tiras

Groomsman

Tiras is one of our middle “man-children,” a title he carries with both heart and humor, embodying a balance of strength, warmth, and authenticity. He is kind, caring, and deeply compassionate—someone who loves wholeheartedly and gives of himself without hesitation. When others are in need, he is often the first to show up, offering not only help, but genuine presence and unwavering support. He has a natural charisma that draws people in effortlessly, paired with a sincerity that makes them feel seen, valued, and understood. His generosity extends beyond actions; it is reflected in the way he listens, connects, and invests in the people around him. Tiras brings a quiet steadiness to relationships, creating a sense of trust and belonging wherever he goes. As he continues to grow and find his path, he does so with integrity, resilience, and an open heart. We are incredibly proud of the person he is and the way he carries himself through the world—with compassion, loyalty, and a spirit that leaves a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Landan

Groomsman

Landan is one of our middle “man-children,” a role he carries with quiet strength and a thoughtful presence. He is kind and genuinely funny, with a gentle, understated generosity that often speaks louder than words. More reserved than some of the others, he observes, listens, and shows up in ways that truly matter. His time in the Navy helped shape his sense of discipline and deepened his natural spirit of adventure. As he moves through life, he does so with determination and a lighthearted sense of humor, balancing ambition with an ability to laugh along the way. He approaches each experience as an opportunity to grow—living fully and learning as he goes. At his core, Landan has a big heart and an unwavering willingness to step in and help wherever and whenever he is needed. His quiet reliability and genuine care make him someone you can always count on.

Shakya

Bridesmaid

Shakya and Ryan share a deep and enduring bond, shaped through their time in the whitewater rafting world—a friendship built on trust, adventure, and mutual respect. That connection grew even more meaningful during a difficult chapter, when Liz experienced a loss in her family and, in the midst of that, gained not only support but a remarkable friend. From the very beginning, Shakya brought with her a presence that is wise, intelligent, and quietly humorous, paired with a thoughtful and methodical way of seeing the world. I still remember her saying, “When you two get married, I’m going to be a bridesmaid.” It felt certain even then—she has a way of knowing, and she is rarely wrong. Her genuineness and sincerity are unmistakable. She challenges you to think differently, to see beyond the obvious, and to grow in ways you may not have expected. Shakya is the kind of friend whose presence is both grounding and uplifting and having her in our lives is something we value deeply.

Tashara

Bridesmaid

Liz and Tashara met at Phagans Beauty School when Tashara was just beginning her journey at barely eighteen. They shared a station, and from that simple beginning, a lasting friendship was formed. What started as proximity quickly grew into something meaningful and enduring—the kind of bond that weaves itself naturally into the fabric of life. Tashara is loving and kind, with a creative spirit that seems to touch everything she does. From her artistic talents to the countless details she poured into creating each wedding invitation, her work reflects both intention and heart. She is equally at home baking something beautiful as she is tending to her ever-growing collection of plants, nurturing life in all its forms. She is witty, funny, and incredibly hardworking, with a compassion that shows up in the way she cares for the people around her. Tashara carries many strengths, yet she holds them with humility and grace. She is an amazing mother, a devoted wife, and a loyal friend. Her creative heart is not only a gift, but a guiding force—one that shapes her path and inspires those lucky enough to know her.

Alicia

Bridesmaid

Alicia and Liz met in beauty school, and from that moment on, a lasting friendship was formed. Alicia is lighthearted yet grounded, carrying a kindness and compassion that naturally draws people to her. She moves through life with a quiet wisdom, meeting its challenges with grace, resilience, and an unmistakable sense of class. She is both open-minded and open-hearted, offering her friendship with sincerity and care. Constantly striving to grow, she pours her energy into self-improvement and her creative passions—especially her talent for baking, which has taken her to remarkable places. From crafting desserts for Oprah Winfrey to building connections with figures like Snoop Dogg, Alicia has experienced moments many only dream of. Yet through it all, she remains authentically herself—grounded, genuine, and true to who she is. I am incredibly proud of her, of the dedication and heart she puts into everything she does, and of the life she continues to build. I cannot wait to see where her journey leads next and the many adventures that await her.

Maggie

Flower Girl

Quinn

Flower Girl

Sarah

Wedding Planner

Sister & Wedding Planner Extraordinaire Sarah isn’t just my sister, she’s my only one… and in a lot of ways, she’s been a constant through everything life has thrown our way. With both of our parents gone for over 15 years, that bond runs deep. She’s been family, foundation, and friend all wrapped into one. If you’ve seen anything from this weekend come together beautifully, there’s a very good chance Sarah had her hands in it. She has a gift for turning ideas into something real, warm, and unforgettable… and she’s done it all with heart. She’s also the incredible mom to Maggie and Quinn, our flower girls, who carry her same light, love, and spark. Watching her raise them with so much care and joy is something I’ve always admired. There’s no one else I could imagine standing beside me in this role. Sarah has helped build not just this wedding, but so much of the life that brought me here.

Billy

Officiant

Ryan and Liz have know Billy for